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Server Hardware: Need for Speed/Power?

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by bmadams

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Greeting,
I provide IT support for Small Businesses and nonprofits. Mostly 3-5 machines mostly running XP. Not much money here, but enjoy the work.

I have set up several "servers" primarily as a place to store shared data and backups (ie each WS backs up data and files nightly, I keep Quickbooks files on it that the WS will access, create HD images and store them on it etc.) all very simple. The server will have 2 drives...everybody backs up to one and then that drive is periodically imaged to the second...so I end up with 2-3 backups of everything....
For a "server" I just install a desktop running Windows XP Pro.
My questions are, using the "server" as described above,
-how fast/powerful does the server have to be? -how will its performance (CPU/Ram) effect the users?
The point would be should spend bigger bucks putting in a dual or quad core machine if this is all I am using it for?

Thanks, your experienced opinions are appreciated..

Brian

4 replies

by larryd4

For 3 to 5 machines I can't see you having any issues with a "run of the mill" PC acting as a server. I would make sure it has atleast 2 Gigs of Ram.

Their are options in the windows clients to set it to function more as a server than a PC.

Look under the system properties, specifically the "Advanced" tab. You will see a button for Performance "Settings".

In their you can define the performance level of your visual effects and on the advanced tab you can change the way the PC handles processor scheduling and set it for background services.

This will help the PC handle file requests over the network faster rather then dedicating CPU cycles for user inteface enhancements and so on.

by bmadams

Thanks Larry,
I found the tab and setting and will start using that...

for older machines, used as workstations, I typically set the "Visual Effects" to "Adjust for best performance"/"Use drop shadow..."

I fill use your suggestion on the Server machines..

Brian

by stealthwifi

Be sure to disable any non needed services, don't want to create a larger attach interface than you have to. Also the more services the slower the box will be.

Be sure to keep it patched and have a good AV and Firewall.

Cheers,

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